Davenport Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Davenport Gap Shelter offers sleeping space for approximately 10 people inside a structure built with both logs and stone. It features a protective cage or fence around it to deter bears, which is common for shelters in the Great Smoky Mountains. There's a fire pit for cooking and gathering, and a water spigot nearby providing convenient access to water. The shelter has a rustic design with plenty of character, offering basic but adequate protection from the elements for Appalachian Trail hikers.

The hiking distance to Davenport Gap Shelter is approximately 3 miles from the nearest parking area. This makes it a true backpacking destination rather than a quick day hike. The trail follows the Appalachian Trail through the beautiful terrain of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hikers should be prepared for moderate terrain and bring appropriate backpacking gear for an overnight stay. The shelter isn't accessible by vehicle, maintaining its remote backcountry character.

Yes, you need a permit to stay at Davenport Gap Shelter. Since it's located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, all overnight stays require a backcountry permit. These can be obtained through the National Park Service's reservation system. For Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, special considerations may apply, but they still need to register their stay. Be sure to secure your permit well in advance, especially during peak hiking seasons, as shelter space is limited and often fills up quickly.

Davenport Gap Shelter is located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Appalachian Trail. It sits at the northern boundary of the park in an area known as Davenport Gap. This beautiful shelter marks an important point for AT through-hikers as it's one of the last shelters in the Smokies for northbound hikers or one of the first for those heading southbound. The shelter features a distinctive design with both stone and log construction, giving it a unique character among AT shelters.